Breaking: Rescue Underway for Hiker Stranded on Longs Peak
The 19-year-old is trapped at 13,000 feet on the peak's treacherous eastern face.
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A helicopter has been dispatched to Rocky Mountain National Park this afternoon to rescue a hiker stranded on the precarious eastern side of Longs Peak.
Rangers received word late Tuesday that Samuel Frappier, 19, got separated from his hiking partner while descending from the summit and became stuck at about 13,000 feet. The Boulder Daily Camerareports that Frappier was not carrying overnight gear, but nevertheless survived the night in winter-like conditions. He spoke with rescue personnel again via cell phone early this morning.
28 rescuers are en route to the summit, assisted by crews from Teton Interagency and Rocky Mountain Rescue. We’ve reached out to park officials for updates and will post further information as it comes in.
UPDATE 5/29 8:10 AM: Rescuers reached the stranded hiker on Wednesday afternoon and evacuated him by helicopter. FOX 31 Denver reports that Frappier was in good condition and able to walk under his own power upon landing at Estes Park Medical Center.